Wireless vs. Wired Headphones: Which Is for You?

Wired vs. wireless headphones — which is better? The wired vs. wireless headphones debate is ongoing and shows no signs of ending any time soon. In fact, market research firm Grand View Research has predicted the global earphones and headphones market is
expected to be worth $15.05 billion by 2024. This indicates as new, state-of-the-art headphones become available, the wired earbuds vs. wireless earbuds discussion will get louder.

Let’s face it — choosing between wired or wireless headphones can be
difficult. When it comes to the wired vs. wireless headphones debate, it
all comes down to your lifestyle:

Are you looking for headphones you can use when you stream music at
your computer every day, or do you need headphones that make it simple
for you to listen to music when you work out?

Do you want to avoid the hassles of dealing with cords, or are you comfortable with wired headphones?

And are you searching for inexpensive headphones that might work
well for a couple of years, or do you want headphones that will last a
lifetime?

These are just some of the questions you’ll need to consider before
you purchase wired or wireless headphones. They also add to the
difficulty of making the right selection based on your lifestyle needs.

Fortunately, we’re here to teach you about the pros and cons of wired
and wireless headphones so you can make the right choice. Let’s take a
closer look at some of the key factors to consider when you evaluate
both wired and wireless headphones. If you don’t have time to read the
entire article, we’ve included a summary below.

TL;DR

Audio Quality: Wireless headphones generally have inferior audio quality compared to wired headphones, but this can depend on price range.

Battery Life: Wireless headphones are constrained
by battery life, which will vary based on price range and the model you
purchase. Wired headphones do not have battery life.

Portability: Both wired and wireless headphones are
portable, but some may be more convenient to travel with than others
based on their design (whether they fold, have a carrying case, etc.).

Compatibility: Wireless and wired headphones are
both very compatible. Make sure your device is compatible before
purchasing. Wired headphones usually work with any phone or device with a
3.5mm jack. Wireless headphones are normally compatible with any
bluetooth-enabled device.

Price: Wireless headphones are normally more expensive than wired headphones, but again, this depends on your price range.

Read on it you’d like an in-depth analysis of all of these factors and more!

Audio Quality

Wireless headphones offer a convenient wire-free experience, but
depending on your environment and the distance from your smart device,
you may experience interference. Any device that gives a wireless signal
matching the frequency of the signal used by your wireless headphones
can interfere and degrade sound quality. However, this issue can usually
be avoided if you keep your smart device nearby.

Wired headphones minimize the risk of interference that otherwise
could affect sound quality. In addition, wired headphones are available
that offer high-definition audio quality, ensuring your favorite songs
will sound great any time you listen to them on your headphones.

Bluetooth Headphone Options

Many wireless headphones can replicate the audio quality of wired
headphones. However, the majority of wireless headphones utilize 2.4GHz
Bluetooth that can make it tough for these headphones to match the HD
quality of their wired counterparts.

You also may be more likely to encounter interference with wireless
headphones than you would with wired models. Bluetooth uses the same
frequency as many other Wi-Fi devices, which means your smartphone and
other internet-enabled gadgets may prevent you from enjoying the best
sound quality consistently.

Let’s not forget about the impact of Bluetooth-compressed audio,
either. Early versions of wireless headphones focused on compressing
audio, which resulted in a harsh, digital sound. Conversely, new
wireless headphones are making improvements in this area, and an
advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) now enables wireless
headphones to stream high-quality stereo audio via the SBC codec.

Although Bluetooth is considered a primary factor in the sound
quality of wireless headphones, it is important to remember the quality
of the headphones themselves and the audio device being used may affect
sound quality as well. Thus, using a first-rate audio device may improve
your chances of getting the best sound quality, regardless of whether
you use wired or wireless headphones.

Battery Life

Many wired headphones do not require a power supply. This means you
can plug them into an audio device and use them at any location, at any
time. The trade-off for not requiring batteries, however, is sound
quality. In some cases, wired headphones may use batteries that enable
you to cancel out sound as you listen to music. These headphones usually
require two to four AA or AAA batteries. Furthermore, wired headphones
are available that feature rechargeable batteries.

Wireless headphones always require a power source, so you’ll need a
battery to use these headphones. You may be able to use AA or AAA
batteries to power your wireless headphones, or these headphones may
come with a rechargeable battery. Wireless headphones that use a
rechargeable battery usually require a mini or micro USB cable and take
about 3 hours to recharge.

The battery life of wired and wireless headphones varies. For wired
noise-canceling headphones, the battery life typically falls between 20
hours and 30 hours. With Bluetooth headphones, the battery life ranges
from 8 hours to 12 hours, but some high-end Bluetooth headphones claim
to offer up to 40 hours of battery life.

Portability

Both wired and wireless headphones are portable, but some headphone
varieties may prove to be more convenient than others depending on their
purpose.

For example, if you want to listen to music while you jog, wireless
headphones may serve you well. These headphones won’t weigh you down
while you jog. Plus, wireless headphones are simple to place in the ear
and will stay in place for the duration of your workout.

On the other hand, if you work at a radio station, you may want to
consider wired headphones. These headphones will deliver exceptional
sound quality and will fit inside any backpack easily. That way, you can
reap the benefits of superior headphones day after day and keep your
headphones on while you travel to and from work.

Of course, the cords associated with wired headphones can be
problematic at times. You’ll need to wrap up cords any time you put them
inside a bag, or risk getting them tangled. Cords also may get in the
way if you are jogging, working out or performing other light or
strenuous activities, and wireless headphones may provide a better
option than wired models for athletes and other active individuals.

Compatiblity

If you’re looking to purchase wired or wireless headphones, you’ll
want to ensure they are compatible with various audio devices in
advance. By doing so, you’ll be able to pick up headphones you can use
to listen to music, chat on your smartphone and much more.

For many wired headphones, you can use a 3.5mm cable that enables you
to connect them to an audio device. Link one end of the cable to your
headphones and the other end to the audio device, and you’ll be able to
get your desired results.

If you plan to use wired or wireless headphones for your smartphone,
review the headphones closely to ensure they are compatible with your
device. For instance, the iPhone 7 requires a separate adapter to
connect a 3.5mm cable to the smartphone. The iPhone 7 does not have a
headphone jack, and if you don’t have the iPhone 7 headphones adapter,
you’ll only be able to use wireless Bluetooth headphones with your
device.

With most wireless headphones, you should be able to connect them to
any Bluetooth-enabled device. Many wireless headphones are compatible
with the latest versions of Bluetooth and may be backwards-compatible
with older devices that use an earlier version of Bluetooth. The lone
exception is smartphones that are not designed to use with Bluetooth
Smart, a technology that lacks basic Bluetooth compatibility.

Price

The price of your wired or wireless headphones may range from $1 to $5,000 depending on where you shop for headphones and the model you purchase. Industry analysis and advisory services firm NPD Group indicates nearly 30 percent of Bluetooth headphones sold in the
first six months of 2016 were $50 or less. NPD Group also noted the average price of Bluetooth headphones fell 5 percent from the first half of 2015 to the first half of 2016 — a positive sign for wireless headphones shoppers around the world.

If you need the bare essentials, wired headphones may prove the most
cost-effective option. These headphones might lack the style and
features of various wireless headphones options but will enable you to
connect to any audio device.

For those searching for the latest and greatest headphones, you may
be more likely to pay more to get the headphones you want. Headphones
technology continues to evolve, and as new headphones are released, the
prices associated with these devices may fluctuate.

Proximity to Device

Wired headphones connect to an audio device, and the only thing
separating you from the device is the headphone cord. Therefore, there
are only a few feet between you and your device any time you use wired
headphones.

Usually wired headphones include a 4-foot to 6-foot cable attached to
the left headphone. If you’re sitting on the couch listening to music,
this cable provides sufficient distance between you and your audio
device. And if you need extra distance, you can always purchase an
extension cable as well. For portable devices, wired headphones with a
cable of about 3 feet commonly deliver an excellent choice.

The range of many wireless headphones is 30 feet or more. For
wireless headphones, interference increases with distance. As such,
you’ll want to examine the range of wireless headphones before you make
your final decision.

What Are the Best Lifestyles for Wired headphones?

The best lifestyles for wired headphones include:

Desk Jockeys: Wired headphones are ideal for those
who work at a desk for an extended period of time. Office workers who
want to listen to music on their computer or mobile device can connect
their wired headphones and enjoy superb sound quality. Wired headphones
may even help desk jockeys make the work day go faster than ever before.

Audiophiles: If you demand the best sound quality —
without exception — then wired headphones are right for you.
Audiophiles such as DJs and musicians set the bar high for sound
quality. And with wired headphones, these individuals won’t have to
sacrifice sound quality at any time.

Individuals Who Are Hard of Hearing: Wired
headphones deliver unsurpassed sound quality. As a result, they
represent a viable option for those who are hard of hearing.

Simple to Use: Just plug in your wireless headphones to the audio jack, and you’ll be able to use them immediately.

Wired headphones are offered in a variety of styles and sizes. These
headphones represent a great option for individuals who are searching
for basic headphones at affordable prices. They also provide a wonderful
choice for those who want unmatched sound quality.

What Are the Best Lifestyles for Wireless Headphones?

The best lifestyles for wireless headphones include:

Athletes: Want to take your workouts to the next
level? With wireless headphones, you can run on a treadmill, lift
weights and perform other exercises and activities while listening to
your favorite music, without having to worry about getting tangled up in
wires.

Travelers: If you enjoy listening to music but are
constantly on the go, wireless headphones are a must. These headphones
will enable you to rock out to your favorite music as you travel the
globe.

Gamers: Want to feel like you’re a part of your
favorite video game? Pick up wireless headphones, and you’ll be able to
do just that. Thanks to wireless headphones, gamers can become a part of
the action of any video game. Wireless headphones also ensure gamers
won’t have to sit too close to the TV to listen to their favorite games.

Wireless headphones deliver many benefits, including:

No Cables: Wireless headphones guarantee you’ll never have to worry about cables getting in the way.

Bluetooth Compatibility: You can connect your wireless headphones to a Bluetooth-enabled device quickly and effortlessly.

Increased Comfort: Because wireless headphones don’t have cables, they often are more comfortable to wear than their wired counterparts.

If you’re struggling with wired headphones, wireless headphones may
provide an amazing alternative. Wireless headphones are easy to use and
offer many of the same benefits as wired headphones — all without having
to deal with cords.

Are Wired or Wireless Headphones Better?

Clearly, wired and wireless headphones deliver a wide range of
benefits. Both types of headphones provide proven results, making it
simple for you to connect to your audio devices. Also, dozens of wired
and wireless headphones are available, providing you with lots of
headphone options to explore.

Deciding between wired and wireless headphones can be challenging, and
the final decision is entirely up to you. If you consider your lifestyle
needs, you will be able to determine how you’ll use your headphones.
Then you can narrow your search for the right headphones based on your
budget, style preferences and other criteria.

As you choose between wired and wireless headphones, understand you cannot go wrong with either option. Wired and wireless headphones are constructed from top-of-the-line materials and built to last. And if you ever need help deciding between wired and wireless headphones, you can always reach out to Decibullz for support.

The Right Choice for Your Audio Needs

At Decibullz, we’re all about innovation. We provided the first
thermo-fit custom molded earbuds, along with the only customer earphones
that can be remolded. We offer both top-rated wired and wireless
earphones tested by top athletes, including Olympic gymnasts. Our
headphones are even tested by a third-party lab and represent the
highest commercially available headphones on the market today.

If you’re uncertain about whether wired or wireless headphones are
right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you evaluate
the pros and cons of wired and wireless headphones so you can make an
informed decision.